9 Seater Vehicle on a UK Licence?

Hi All, 

We are travelling to Spain with friends in 2009 and would like to hire a 9 seater minibus instead of 2 separate cars.

Am I allowed to drive a 9 seater in Spain on a UK licence?

I have phoned the DVLA who have informed me that if you passed your driving test before 1997 (which I did) you have a code D1 on your licence which means you can drive a minibus with up to 16 seats in the UK as long as it is not for commercial gain.  People who passed their test after this date are entitled to drive a 9-seater (driver + 8).

However the DVLA in the UK are unable to advise whether this covers me under Spanish law - does anyone know?

I have started to look at car hire companies at Malaga airport, and they do all seem to hire out 9 seater vehicles, so I think I will be OK, but obviously I need to know for sure.

Can anybody help?

Thanks
Michelle

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If you have a European licence (pink card)then this will allow you to drive a minibus over here as long as its not for commercial use.
Regards
Georgia

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